The Labyrinth of Crete, German-speaking guide

The Labyrinth of Crete, German-speaking guide

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5 Days From

$521

The Labyrinth of Crete, German-speaking guide

5 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece

Visiting: Heraklion, Spinalonga, Crete

Tour code:

857351

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

18-

Tour operated in:

, German
From: $521

NB: Prices correct on 14-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Crete with "The Labyrinth of Crete" tour, guided by a local German-speaking expert. This immersive experience takes you to the heart of Greece's rich history and stunning landscapes. Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site, and unravel the myths of the Minotaur. Sail to the historic island of Spinalonga, once a Venetian fortress and leper colony, and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in the charming village of Elounda. Discover the tranquil beauty of the Lassithi Plateau and the birthplace of Zeus on an adventurous Land Rover tour. With comfortable accommodations in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, and meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Enjoy air-conditioned transport and shared transfers from Heraklion Airport, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable Cretan adventure.

Highlights

  • Palace of Knossos: Explore the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, known for its ancient myths and history.

  • Lassithi Plateau: Discover the beautiful expanse of green fields and almond trees at 900m above sea level.

  • Spinalonga: Enjoy a boat trip to this island with Venetian fortresses and a history as a leper colony.

  • Elounda: Visit the picturesque fishing village in the scenic Mirabello Bay.

  • Heraklion Town: Experience the vibrant city with its Venetian lion fountain and historic loggia.

  • Zeus Cave: Embark on an off-road adventure to the mythical birthplace of Zeus.

  • Krassi Village: See the ancient 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Heraklion (25 Km - 30 Min)

Location: Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar

Meals Included: Dinner


Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.

Overnight  in Gouves or Chersonissos area.

Day 2 : Boat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130 Km – 8 Hrs)

Location: Spinalonga

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


After a tasty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to start discovering the hidden treasures of Greece. Spinalonga is one of the most famous spots in Crete, and sometimes called the ‘island of tears’ due to its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress but then it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Once there, you’ll take a guided walk around the enchanting remains of the colony. See its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. Later, you’ll sail back to Elounda, where you’ll have a typical Cretan lunch. Then, walk around on your own, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.


Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.


Day 3 : Palace Of Knossos – Heraklion Town (42 Km – 8 Hrs)

Location: Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


After the delectable breakfast served , you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the imposing Palace of Knossos. The landmark dates back to 1900 BC, and it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilization and the place where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Admire the treasures of this fascinating palace during an interesting tour, while your guide explains the myths surrounding it and its kings. Afterwards, visit lively Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall. The magnificent tour ends at the entrance to the old harbour, the place where you begin to explore on your own. If you want to get even closer to the stunning past of the Greeks, take advantage of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Dinner is included.


Overnight  in Gouves or Chersonissos area


Day 4 : Land Rover Tour – Explore The Birthplace Of Zeus (120 Km – 8 Hrs)

Location: Crete

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, and local life, while having lots of fun. Your day starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Potamies Reservoir water dam. Continuing our journey through mesmerising paths and olive trees, we reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Admire the beauty of the site and continue towards the quaint village of Kastamonitsa, where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will Climb high into the mountains and follow the ancient minaon path that leads us to the cave of Zeus (entrance not included) where, according to mythology, the father of all the gods was born. Then, you have the chance to take some memorable photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, before we drop down to the plateau for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! The journey continues with a stop at Lassithi plateau, where time has virtually stood still and the local people are mainly farmers.  We continue the adventure until we reach the village of Krassi our last stop of the day. Catch a glimpse of the 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source. End this thrilling day with a transfer back to your hotel.  Lunch is included with wine and bottled water.

Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area

Day 5 : Departure Heraklion (25 Km - 30 Min)

Location: Heraklion

Meals Included: Breakfast


Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements.


What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with a local German-speaking guide on a shared basis on day 2 and 3.

  • Accommodation

    4 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area with options for standard or superior hotel categories.

  • Meals

    Includes 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches (one with unlimited wine), and 4 dinners.

  • Transport

    Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, including inbound/outbound transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, boat trip to Spinalonga, Spinalonga island tour, and Land Rover Tour.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.

  • Flight Tickets and Visa Fees

    Flight tickets or visa fees are not included.

  • Airport Taxes

    Airport taxes for domestic and international flights are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for driver and guide are not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours are not included.

  • Overnight City Tax

    Overnight city tax for hotel overnights effective from January 1st, 2018, to be paid on the spot at the hotels.

  • Zeus Cave Entrance Fee

    Entrance fee for Zeus Cave on Day 4 is not included.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.


Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit.


Please Note

  • Please note that depending on the departure day the itinerary may be in a different order
  • Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit
  • Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice 
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons, or Corona restrictions.
  • Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
  • The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary. 
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
  • Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
  • Please note that the inbound airport-hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Gouves or Chersonissos area: 

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA: 

Pre - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Post - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Gouves or Chersonissos area: 

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA: 

Pre - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Post - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport. Enjoy seamless travel as you explore the beautiful island of Crete.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay with 4 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, offering options in both standard and superior hotel categories. Choose between Hotel Hersonissos Central, a 3-star hotel, or Hotel Hersonissos Maris, a 4-star hotel, for a delightful experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What language will the tour guide speak during the tour?

    The tour will be operated with a local German-speaking guide on a shared basis on day 2 and 3.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches (one during the Land Rover Tour with unlimited wine and one Cretan lunch in Elounda excluding drinks), and 4 dinners.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 4 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. There are options for a Standard Hotel Category, such as Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*, and a Superior Hotel Category, such as Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*.

  • Are there any optional extras available for accommodation?

    Yes, there are optional extras for pre-night and post-night stays in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with options for both Standard and Superior Hotel Categories.

  • What transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, as well as inbound and outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Archaeological sites of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, the Spinalonga island tour, and the Land Rover Tour.

  • What is the itinerary for the Land Rover Tour?

    The Land Rover Tour includes a visit to the Potamies Reservoir water dam, the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, a coffee break in the village of Kastamonitsa, an off-road adventure to the cave of Zeus, and a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine at the Lassithi Plateau. The tour ends with a visit to the village of Krassi.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

Reviews of this operator

Indra  

Best Tpur Operator for Greece

06-Jul-2023

The best Tour Operator. The planning and timing by the agency was great. Accommodation was also good. The package was reasonable. Thanks to Destination Services Greece

Giovanni B.  

Great

27-Jul-2022

Very committed service with proper follow-up. Service provided as per their schedule with a hassle free journey... thanks to ITS tours and travels for providing services

Duran  

Excellent company

15-Jun-2022

Based on their very positive reviews, we booked with Destination Services Greece. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.

    Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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